by Ann Dillon

Lee MacKenzie, Class of 2015, wanted to become a stronger leader in his community of Keene and was accepted into the NH Leadership Series so he could fulfill that wish. In his application, he said he wanted to speak up more for himself and for others and be a role model. He said that he felt that leaders should be honest and be able to talk about problems openly.

Lee was a quiet soul in the beginning of leadership but worked on building relationships with many people in his home group, action group, and in the whole class. He was so articulate at Leadership Graduation last April, growing in courage in front of the large crowd. In his graduation speech he said that Leadership meant three things: courage, trust, and helpful. He talked about how important the friendships he made were to him and wanted to keep them going.

Lee announced that he had pancreatic cancer at his graduation and there was an immediate show of support from the people who had become his friends and genuinely cared about him and Jeannine, his life partner, who is also in the Class of 2015. Robin Carlson, Sam Walker, Jenn Packard and so many others visited them often, organized food and gift cards for groceries, and offered a caring and beautiful friendship, filled with love and generosity.

When Robin learned that Lee had a big wish at the top of his bucket list, she became a woman on a mission! Lee wanted to go to Gillette stadium to see the Patriots play. Robin enlisted the help of her sister Kristen and the company she worked for in Burlington, Massachusetts then provided 4 tickets for Lee, Jeannine, Robin and her husband Dave Ouellette to the cold December game. Jenn Packard hired a van and driver who could take the four of them to Foxboro. Many people chipped in to allow them to stay overnight to make transport easier for Lee, who was then feeling quite ill and using a wheelchair. Food was provided, personal care was ensured by Robin and Dave, and many class members joined in a dinner the night before the game. Lee’s sister said that it was the thought of going to the game that kept him alive. Click here for an article about Lee and his wish in the Sentinel.

Lee was thrilled with his journey to the Patriots on December 20. He was quite ill and in pain, but the photos taken by Robin and Dave show he got his wish.

Lee passed away on New Year’s Day, a day of new beginnings. I think he captured the end of his life well with the three words he valued so much: courage, trust, and helpful. The amazing Class of 2015 was so strong in doing what leaders do – acting on their own values. It was easy to do for someone like Lee, who was a kind and gentle giant of a leader.

Rest in peace dear Lee.

Lee and Jenn Pineo at Leadership Graduation

Lee and Jenn Pineo at Leadership Graduation